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The Deed: A Guide to Mitzvot

Tefillin
Tefillin
The Tefillin are our connection to G-d, as we submit the thoughts in our mind and our emotions in our heart to G-d.
Mezuzah
Mezuzah
Sanctifying Your Home
The mezuzah and the laws concerning the small scroll of protection that adorns every door of our homes.
Tzitzit & Tallit
Tzitzit and Tallit
A Constant Reminder
Explore the significance of the ritually fringed four-cornered garment.
Charity
Tzedakah - Charity
More Than A Charitable Act
Tzedakah is more than a Charitable act. It is sharing with others what G-d in His kindness has given us.
Torah Study
Torah Study
More Than a History Book
The Torah is more than a history book. It is G-d’s instructions to humanity. It tells us how to maximize our potential on this earth.
The Sefer Torah
The Sefer Torah
The last commandment of the Torah is to write one’s own Sefer Torah. Today this is commonly done through buying a letter, chapter or portion in a joint Sefer Torah. It is written by a scribe who is specially ordained to write, and its laws are meticulous.
Kosher Species
Kosher Species
Which species of animals, birds, fish and vermin are kosher, and which are not?
Kosher Meat Preparation
Kosher Meat Preparation
The preparation of Kosher food is meticulous; slaughtering, checking and removing of the blood; plus which parts of the animal may not be eaten
The Kosher Kitchen
The Kosher Kitchen
One of the fundamental principles of a Kosher home is keeping Milk and Meat separate; from pots & pans and cutlery to stoves and sinks. Plus: The laws of Koshering utensils previously used for non-kosher foods.
Shopping for Kosher
Shopping for Kosher Food
Shopping for Kosher foods, baked goods, fresh fruit and packaged goods; looking out for the Kosher certification and labels.
Kosher Wine
Kosher Wine
Wine represents the holiness and separateness of the Jewish people. However, since wine was and still is used in many forms of idolatrous worship, it has a unique status in Jewish law, which places extra restrictions on the making and handling of wine.
The Shabbat Table
The Shabbat Table
A Practical Guide
The rituals and customs that we have practiced for centuries at the Shabbat table; from lighting candles to eating delicious Challah.
Shabbat Overview
Shabbat Overview
Our sages tell us: G-d told the heavenly angels: “I have a special treasure called Shabbat, and I will give it to the Jewish people”. For six days we work, and the seventh – Shabbat brings holiness and rest” {Ed. Note: Not filmed on Shabbat}
Shabbat Observance - Part I
Shabbat Observance
Part I
“On the Seventh day you shall rest from all work”. What constitutes work? There are 39 Cardinal prohibitions on the Shabbat, and many off-shoot laws that are derived thereof. The first in a series of eight classes, defining the laws of work on Shabbat.
Shabbat Observance - Part II
Shabbat Observance
Part II
The second in a series of eight classes, defining the laws of work on Shabbat.
Shabbat Observance - Part III
Shabbat Observance
Part III
The third in a series of eight classes, defining the laws of work on Shabbat.
Shabbat Observance - Part IV
Shabbat Observance
Part IV
The fourth in a series of eight classes, defining the laws of work on Shabbat.
Shabbat Observance - Part V
Shabbat Observance
Part V
The fifth in a series of eight classes, defining the laws of work on Shabbat.
Shabbat Observance - Part VI
Shabbat Observance
Part VI
The sixth in a series of eight classes, defining the laws of work on Shabbat.
Shabbat Observance - Part VII
Shabbat Observance
Part VII
The seventh in a series of eight classes, defining the laws of work on Shabbat.
Shabbat Observance - Part VIII
Shabbat Observance
Part VIII
The final episode in a series of eight classes, defining the laws of work on Shabbat.
Shatnez
Shatnez
Mixing Wool and Linen
Shatnez is the prohibition of wearing garments mixed with wool and linen. Join us as we take an up-close look at how to check materials to ensure they’re free of shatnez.
Firstborn Son
The Firstborn Son
The "Pidyon Haben"
The mitzvah of pidyon haben is to redeem the firstborn son by giving a Kohen five silver shekels when the boy becomes a month old.
Upsherin
Upsherin
A Boy's First Haircut
An Upsherin is the traditional "first haircut" ceremony held on a boy's third birthday. This ceremony marks the start of the child's formal education and is highlighted by leaving payot and the child starting to wear a kipah and tzitzit.
Bar Mitzvah
The Bar Mitzvah
Religious Maturity
A boy attains his religious maturity and becomes responsible to fulfill all Torah commandments at the age of thirteen; this milestone is traditionally celebrated with a Bar Mitzvah ceremony.
Engagement - Part 1
Engagement
Part 1
The Jewish way of dating and preparing yourself for your wedding.
Engagement - Part 2
Engagement
Part 2
The Jewish way of dating and preparing yourself for your wedding.
Wedding - Part 1
The Jewish Wedding
Part 1
The key components of a Jewish wedding and some customs and traditions.
The Wedding - Part 2
The Jewish Wedding
Part 2
The key components of a Jewish wedding and some customs and traditions.
Kaddish
Kaddish
Prayer for the Deceased
Children recite Kaddish for their loved ones’ departed soul. What is the meaning of Kaddish and how, when and why is Kaddish recited?
Last Will
Last Will
Estate Issues in Jewish Law
This presentation sheds light on writing a Jewish will and the legalities of estate issues with regard to inheritance.
Taharah
Taharah
Jewish Burial
One of the most important elements of a proper Jewish burial is the Taharah; preparing the body for its final rest by the Chevra Kaddisha or Jewish Burial Society.
The Funeral
Jewish Funerals
A Jewish funeral is distinguished by its simplicity, humility and solemnity. It emphasizes the spiritual and sublime over the physical and material.
The Cantor
The Cantor
The Chazzan
Most prayers are led by a member of the congregation who serves as chazzan or canter. The congregation follows the leader for the duration of the prayer service.
Rosh Hashanah
Rosh Hashanah
The Jewish New Year
A deeper look into the meanings and customs of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year: From crowning G-d as our king to blowing the Shofar and dipping apple into honey.
Shofar
Shofar
Have you ever wondered why we blow the shofar on Rosh Hashnah? Learn all about the meaning of the most central mitzvah of this holiday.
Tashlich
Tashlich
On the first day of Rosh Hashanah we go to a body of water to recite the tashlich prayer, where we beseech G-d for mercy, atonement and a good new year.
Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur
Day of Atonement
Yom Kippur, the holiest day on the calendar, is a day of atonement which is observed chiefly through fasting.
Yizkor
Yizkor
Memorial Prayer
Yizkor, the memorial prayer for the departed, is observed on specific holidays for the souls of those who passed on.
The Lulav
Sukkot: The Lulav
On Sukkot we shake the lulav and etrog. Learn how to do this mitzvah of taking “the four kinds”.
The Etrog
Sukkot: The Etrog
The beauty of “the four kinds” is the etrog, the citron fruit. What distinguishes the etrog from an ordinary lemon?
Sukkah - Part 1
The Sukkah
Part 1 - Building the Sukkah
Get an up-close look on how to build a sukkah, the temporary dwelling used on Sukkot.
Sukkah - Part 2
The Sukkah
Part 2 - Eating in the Sukkah
On Sukkot we move from our living and dining room to the sukkah; dicover how and why this is done.
Simchat Torah
Simchat Torah
On Simchat Torah we complete the yearly cycle of Torah readings, and celebrate by dancing with the Torah.
Chanukah
Chanukah
A short overview of the story of Chanukah and its special traditions.
The Menorah
The Menorah
How to light the menorah.
Chanukah
The Deed: Chanukah
A brief review of the story and practices of the festival of Chanukah
The Deed: Purim
The Deed: Purim
The Festival of Joy
The story, the customs and the fun!
Mishloach Manot
Mishloach Manot
The Purim Food Basket
One of the four Purim observances is ‘mishloach manot’, sending a friend a food gifts. Here is how it’s done.
Chametz
Passover: Chametz
On Passover we not only abstain from eating ‘chametz’, but we are enjoined to totally remove it from our possession, hence the cleaning and koshering before the holiday.
Matzah - Part 1
Passover: Matzah
Part 1
What is matzah and how is it made? Here’s how we do it!
Matzah - Part 2
Passover: Matzah
Part 2
What is matzah and how is it made? Here’s how we do it!
Pre-Seder
Passover: Pre Seder Preparations
Many of the items that will be used at the ‘seder’ will need to be prepared in advance, here’s how.
Seder Plate
Passover: The Seder Plate
Learn how to arrange and assemble your seder plate.
Seder - Part 1
Passover: The Seder
Part 1
A step by step guide on how to lead a proper Passover seder
Haggadah
Passover: The Haggadah
Central to the seder is the ‘haggadah’ – the seder manual from which we relate the story of the exodus.
Seder - Part 2
Passover: The Seder
Part 2
A step by step guide on how to lead a proper Passover seder
Shavuot
Shavuot
A short overview of the customs and meaning of the holiday of Shavuot, celebrating the giving of the Torah.
Birchat Kohanim
Birchat Kohanim
The Priestly Blessings
On specific holidays the kohanim, the descendants of Aaron, bless the congregation during the morning services.
Rosh Chodesh
Rosh Chodesh
The Jewish Calendar
Rosh Chodesh, the head of the month, plays a big role in the Jewish calendar, where the lunar cycle is front and center. Learn how the Jewish calendar works.

DIY
Do-It-Yourself Chanukah
The Tefillin Booth
Expand The Deed
The Deed
Expand Synagogue How-To
Synagogue How-To
Expand Shabbat Meal How-To
Shabbat Meal How-To
Menorah Lighting Guide